Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder Review : Is It Worth It?

If you have ever checked your reflection at noon only to see a shiny grease ball staring back at you, you are exactly the person who should buy the Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder. This little mint-green tub is an absolute game-changer for anyone with oily or combination skin who is tired of blotting papers and melting foundation.

It is the perfect solution for budget-conscious beauty lovers who want a “clean” product that actually delivers on its promises without costing a fortune. I genuinely recommend this to anyone battling humidity, sweat, or just overenthusiastic sebaceous glands.

My Experience With Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder

I vividly remember the first time I bought the Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder.

I was walking through a humid summer day, and my T-zone felt like it could fry an egg.

My expensive foundation was sliding off my nose, and I felt gross.

I had heard whispers about this “miracle” powder from Korean beauty forums, so I decided to give it a shot.

The first thing that struck me was the size—it is tiny! I initially felt a bit cheated, thinking I had bought a sample size, but I soon realized that good things come in small packages.

When I twisted off the cap, I was greeted by a very faint, refreshing herbal scent. It smells like mint and green tea, which feels incredibly cooling on a hot day. It isn’t overpowering like cheap perfume; it is more like a spa experience. The powder itself is white and incredibly finely milled.¹ It feels like silk between your fingers, not gritty or chalky like some drugstore powders I have tried in the past.

I took the cute little puff that comes inside (which is surprisingly soft, by the way) and patted it onto my shiny forehead. The result was instantaneous. It was like magic. One second, I was glowing in the bad way; the next, my skin looked soft, matte, and blurred. It didn’t just cover the oil; it seemed to obliterate it. I looked like I had applied a real-life Instagram filter.

Over the next few weeks, I started experimenting with it beyond just setting my makeup. One morning, I woke up with greasy bangs and no time to shower. I remembered reading that this powder works as a dry shampoo.² I dusted a little onto my roots, ruffled my hair, and the grease vanished. My hair actually smelled fresh and had volume again. I also tried the “lipstick hack”—dabbing a little powder over my creamy lipstick through a tissue. It instantly turned my satin lip color into a trendy matte finish that stayed put through two cups of coffee.

However, it wasn’t all perfect. I learned the hard way that you can overdo it. One day, I applied too much in a rush, and when I took a flash photo later that night, I looked a bit like a ghost. The white cast is real if you are heavy-handed, especially if you have a tan or deeper skin tone. But once I learned to use a fluffy brush instead of packing it on with the puff, the finish became much more natural. After finishing my first tub, I immediately bought two more—one for my vanity and one for my purse. It has earned a permanent spot in my daily routine because it simply works.

Also read: My Thoughts on Lumify Lash And Brow Serum

Pros Of Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder

• Unbeatable Oil Control: The primary reason this product has a cult following is its ability to aggressively combat sebum.³ Most powders just sit on top of the oil, eventually mixing with it to create a cakey mess. This powder, however, uses silica and corn starch to actually absorb the oil.⁴ If you have extremely oily skin, this is one of the few products that will keep you matte for 4 to 6 hours without needing a touch-up.⁵ It effectively “locks” your makeup in place, preventing that midday slide where your foundation separates around your nose and chin.
• Incredible Versatility: You are not just buying a setting powder; you are buying a multi-purpose tool.⁶ As I mentioned in my experience, this product doubles as an emergency dry shampoo, which is a lifesaver for travel or gym bags. It also works as an eye primer. If you have oily eyelids that cause your eyeshadow to crease within an hour, dusting a layer of this powder before applying shadow provides a dry, smooth base that grabs pigment and holds it all day.⁷ You can even use it as a body powder behind your knees or elbows on sweaty days to prevent chafing.

• Clean and Gentle Ingredients: If you look at the ingredient list, it is surprisingly short and reassuring. It is formulated without talc, mineral oil, animal ingredients, synthetic pigments, or imidazolidinyl urea.⁹ Instead, it relies on natural minerals from Jeju Island and mint extract.¹⁰ For people with sensitive or acne-prone skin, this is a massive benefit. You don’t have to worry about clogging your pores with heavy waxes or irritating your skin with harsh chemicals. The inclusion of green tea extract also adds a slight soothing property, which feels nice on inflamed skin.¹¹
• Travel-Friendly Design: The packaging is compact, sturdy, and well-designed.¹² The screw-top lid is secure, so it won’t pop open and explode inside your makeup bag (a nightmare we have all lived through). Because it is small—usually 5 grams—it fits into even the smallest clutch or pocket.¹³ This makes it the perfect “touch-up” companion. Unlike massive tubs of loose powder that are strictly for home use, this is designed to go with you.¹⁴ The plastic sifter inside controls the amount of product that comes out, minimizing waste and mess when you are applying it on the go.
• Very Affordable Price Point: In a world where high-end setting powders can cost upwards of $40, the Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder is a breath of fresh air. It usually retails for under $10, and you can often find it on sale for even less. Despite the low price, the quality rivals that of luxury brands. This accessibility allows you to be generous with your usage without feeling like you are dusting gold onto your face. It proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get high-performance makeup.

Cons Of Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder

• Potential for White Cast: This is the most significant drawback of the product. Because it is a white, mineral-based powder containing mica and silica, it is not truly translucent on all skin tones. On fair to light-medium skin, it blends out invisibly. However, if you have tan, olive, or deep skin, it can leave a chalky, ashy residue if you aren’t extremely careful. Flash photography exacerbates this issue, causing “flashback” where your face looks much whiter than your body in photos.¹⁵ If you have a deeper complexion, you might have to spend extra time buffing it in or mixing it with a tinted powder to make it work.
• Small Product Quantity: While the compact size is great for travel, it is not great for value if you look at the price per gram. You only get 5 grams of product in the standard tub. If you use this powder daily for baking (which requires a lot of product) or for your entire face, you will burn through a tub very quickly—sometimes in as little as a month. Compared to other loose powders that offer 20 or 30 grams, the frequent need to repurchase can be annoying. It is definitely a “quality over quantity” situation, but for heavy users, the small size is a legitimate gripe.
• Can Be Drying for Dry Skin Types: This product is designed to annihilate oil, and it does that job a little too well for some. If you have dry patches, eczema, or dehydrated skin, this powder will find them and cling to them. It can suck the moisture right out of your skin, leaving you looking cakey, flaky, or feeling “tight.” It is not a hydrating powder. If you have combination skin, you must be precise and only apply it to your oily T-zone. applying it to dry cheeks or under-eyes can emphasize fine lines and make your skin look aged and parched.
• Messy Loose Powder Format: No matter how good the packaging is, loose powder is inherently messy. When you tap the powder into the lid or onto the puff, tiny particles go airborne. If you are wearing black clothes, you have to be very careful not to drop any, as the white dust is hard to wipe off without leaving a streak. The sifter can also get clogged or dispense too much product at once if you shake it too hard. For people who prefer the convenience and tidiness of a pressed compact, the loose format can be a hassle to deal with, especially in a moving car or a hurried morning.
• Scent Might Not Be for Everyone: While I personally enjoy the herbal mint scent, fragrance is highly subjective. Some users find the smell medicinal or reminiscent of toothpaste. Although the scent dissipates quickly after application, those who are sensitive to smells or prefer completely unscented makeup might find the initial application off-putting. Additionally, even natural fragrances like mint and menthol can be potential irritants for people with extremely reactive skin or rosacea, causing a tingling sensation that isn’t always pleasant.

Maintenance Tips For Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder

• Wash the Puff Regularly: The little white puff that comes with the powder is excellent, but it is also a magnet for bacteria and facial oils. Every time you press it against your skin, it picks up sebum and foundation. If you don’t clean it, you are essentially mashing old oil and bacteria back into your pores, which can lead to breakouts. I recommend washing the puff at least once a week. You can use a gentle facial cleanser or a dedicated brush shampoo. Wet the puff, massage the cleanser in until the makeup stains lift, rinse thoroughly with warm water, and let it air dry completely before putting it back in the container.
• Control the Flow: When you first open a new tub, the sticker covers the sifter holes. A great tip is to not peel the sticker off completely. Instead, use a needle or a pin to poke just a few holes through the sticker. This allows you to control exactly how much powder comes out. If you peel the whole sticker off, you often end up with way too much powder sitting on top of the sifter, which creates a huge cloud of dust every time you open the lid. This “pinhole method” saves product and keeps your vanity cleaner.
• Use the “Tap and Roll” Method: To avoid the dreaded white cast and cakey look, do not just smear the powder onto your face. Whether you are using the puff or a brush, load the product and then tap off the excess vigorously. Press the puff or brush onto your skin in a rolling motion. This pushes the powder into the pores to fill them in and absorb oil, rather than just letting it sit on top of the skin as a white layer. This technique ensures a smoother, more blurred finish and helps the makeup underneath stay undisturbed.
• Repurpose Old Containers: Because the containers are so sturdy and cute, don’t throw them away when they are empty! They are perfect for travel storage. You can wash them out and use them to store a small amount of moisturizer, jewelry (like earrings or rings), or even DIY lip scrubs. If you buy the larger refills or other loose powders that come in bulky packaging, you can decant them into the empty Innisfree container to make them travel-friendly. This reduces plastic waste and gives you a handy little organizer.
• Layer for Longevity: If you have an exceptionally long day ahead, try the “sandwich method.” Apply a very light layer of the Innisfree powder before your foundation (on top of your primer), and then apply another light layer after your foundation is done. This creates a double barrier against oil. The first layer absorbs the oil coming from your skin, and the second layer protects the makeup from the outside environment. This technique can extend the wear of your makeup by several hours, keeping you matte through weddings, concerts, or long work shifts.

Also read: My Thoughts on Livora Silk Glide Pro

Comparison with Other Brands

Innisfree vs. Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder

The Laura Mercier powder is often considered the gold standard in high-end makeup, but how does it stack up against Innisfree? The biggest difference is the finish and the price. Laura Mercier is truly translucent and works beautifully on almost all skin tones without leaving a white cast.¹⁶ It has a more natural, satin-matte finish that doesn’t look as dry. However, Innisfree is significantly better at oil control. Laura Mercier will set your makeup, but if you are an oil slick, you will shine through in a few hours. Innisfree is much more aggressive at drying up oil. Price-wise, you can buy about four or five Innisfree tubs for the price of one Laura Mercier. If you have dry skin, go with Laura, but if you have oily skin and a budget, Innisfree wins.

Innisfree vs. Skinfood Peach Cotton Multi Finish Powder

These two are the titans of K-Beauty powders. They are very similar in price and packaging, but the sensory experience is different. Skinfood has a strong, sweet peach candy scent, while Innisfree smells like herbal mint. In terms of texture, many users find the Skinfood powder to be slightly more finely milled and “softer,” feeling almost like nothing on the skin. Skinfood also tends to be a bit more forgiving on dry patches. However, Innisfree still holds the crown for maximum oil absorption. If you want to smell like a peach and have normal/combo skin, try Skinfood. If you want a fresh scent and need heavy-duty matte performance, stick with Innisfree.

Innisfree vs. RCMA No Color Powder

RCMA is a favorite among professional makeup artists because it is cheap and truly has no color—it won’t change the shade of your foundation. You get a massive amount of product (3 oz) for a low price, making it great value. However, the packaging of RCMA is terrible—it looks like a spice shaker and is very messy to use. Innisfree is much more user-friendly and portable. Performance-wise, RCMA is great for setting but doesn’t have the active oil-absorbing minerals that Innisfree does. Innisfree is a treatment makeup that actively fights sebum, while RCMA just sets what is there. For daily carry and oil control, Innisfree is superior; for baking at home on a budget, RCMA is a strong contender.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

To wrap things up, the Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder is a must-have for anyone with oily skin who wants a reliable, affordable solution to shine. While the small size and potential white cast are minor annoyances, the sheer performance of this powder makes it worth every penny. It keeps you matte, fresh, and confident all day long. If you are ready to say goodbye to your greasy forehead, you should definitely buy this powder and see the difference for yourself.